Critics of the proposal to raise New York?s minimum wage say the legislation could be costly to employers statewide. State lawmakers are considering a measure that would raise the state's minimum pay from $7.25 per hour to $8.50.Many argue that raising the minimum wage will hurt employers around the state, particularly small businesses. Some say the possibility of such an added expense couldn't come at a worse time.As the cost of living continues to rise, however, an increase would be a big help to many New Yorkers who are just scraping by.A vote from state lawmakers isn't expected until late spring.